Terms of Reference (TOR)- Finance and Admin Assistant

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Finance and Admin Assistant

Governance Lab Pvt. Ltd

Company Description

The Why: NEPAL aspires to graduate from least developing country to a lower middle-income country by 2026. However, the development community’s excessive focus today on socio-political empowerment has not yielded the desired economic transformation. In reaching the 2026 national target, shall we wait for institutions of power to become accountably productive or shall we bolster innovations of people to bring inclusive prosperity? And, shall we strengthen grassroots-government collaboration in shaping an equal and enterprising future?

The How: DAAYITWA, with a focus on economic empowerment, envisions an enterprising Nepal where every youth has opportunities for a prosperous future. Daayitwa is a part of the Daayitwa Abhiyaan which consists of four organizations: Daayitwa, Governance Lab, Nepal Leadership Academy based in Nepal and Nepal Rising

(Daayitwa-US) based in the U.S. Inspired by shared values of innovation, collaboration, and service, it promotes the socio- economic development of Nepal. The movement fosters inclusive and equitable economic growth by accelerating grassroots innovations, strengthening government institutions, and revitalizing a virtuous cycle of democracy and development through grassroots-government collaboration.

Governance Lab Pvt Ltd (Governance Lab), is a research based think tank that enables the government to make evidence-based policy decisions by conducting policy research, strengthening policy implementation capacity and fortifying research and governance ecosystems. An initiative of Daayitwa Abhiyaan, Governance Lab extends its outreach to various policy makers and stakeholders enabling them to dissect economic growth challenges, learn leadership and execute team-based public innovation pilots.

Job Description

The Finance and Administration Assistant will play a key role in ensuring effective financial management and administrative operations across the organisation. The position involves leading day-to-day finance and administration functions for multiple programs, coordinating closely with program and field teams, and supporting compliance, reporting, and organisational systems. The Assistant will work closely with Sr. Finance and Admin Coordinator and with program and department leads.

Key Responsibilities

Finance Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records by overseeing daily financial transactions in line with organisational policies.
• Review, verify, and organise financial vouchers and supporting documents to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Manage bank and cash transactions, ensuring timely processing, proper documentation, and adherence to approval processes.
• Prepare payment vouchers, process disbursements, and oversee petty cash management.
• Lead monthly bank and cash reconciliations and flag discrepancies for timely resolution.
• Process accounts payable, including payroll coordination, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Support programme and field teams in expense tracking, budget utilisation, and financial documentation.
• Prepare periodic financial reports for internal management review, donor reporting support, and audits.
• Support compliance with tax, statutory, and regulatory requirements in line with Nepalese laws.
• Contribute to strengthening financial systems, controls, and reporting processes.

Administrative and Operational Management

• Conduct regular visits and follow-ups with banks, Inland revenue Office, Company Registrar and other relevant institutions to support financial transactions, compliance, and administrative processes.
• Lead and coordinate procurement processes, including purchase requests, vendor selection, purchase orders, and contract documentation.
• Maintain and regularly update office inventory, asset registers, and staff administrative records.
• Oversee administrative and logistical arrangements for meetings, workshops, training, and field activities.
• Assist in providing guidance to programme and field staff on finance and administrative procedures and documentation requirements.

Coordination and Reporting

• Report regularly to the Finance and Admin Coordinator on financial status, risks, and operational issues.
• Coordinate closely with programme teams to support effective financial planning and implementation.
• Support audit processes by preparing required documentation and responding to audit queries.

Other Duties

• Support event-related activities and carry out other tasks as assigned by the Sr. Finance and Admin Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. At least 2 years of relevant work experience is preferred.
• Demonstrates high standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently on complex tasks, exercising creativity, judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with accounting software.
• Practical knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, preparing financial statements, and following Nepalese tax policies.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proactive, practical, and solution-oriented approach to challenges and conflicts.
• Team player with the ability to communicate openly and collaborate across teams and field offices. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Resilient and capable of making informed decisions in uncertain or challenging situations.
• Eagerness to learn, share knowledge, and foster a learning environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Nepali and English.
• Strong client orientation, diplomacy, and results-driven mindset.
• Understanding of social and economic development issues, including income generation and community-driven initiatives.

Additional information

Compensation: Governance Lab will provide compensation on a monthly rate basis. The rate will be mutually agreed upon, commensurate with the level of the required deliverables, the qualifications and experience of the candidate.

If you're keen on this position, kindly complete the form below by 5th April 2026. To access the page, please click on the provided link and right-click to go to the link.

https://forms.gle/LnBo4U2nSkm6CxjH8

In the subject line, put “Job Title followed by your first and last name (e.g., “Finance and Admin Assistant–Sabina Nepali)” and attach the following documents. All documents must be compiled in a single file, in the same order and saved in PDF format:

• Cover letter (one page max)
• CV
• Academic transcripts/certificate for most recent qualification

Deadline: 5th April 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may be closed prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate is found. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

Governance Lab is committed to promoting workforce diversity and actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to marginalized and discriminated groups, including women, Dalit, Janajati, Madhesi/Terai, and other minority communities. The organization values inclusive representation and strives to create a diverse and equitable working environment.